Something significant took effect here in Minnesota today. The Minnesota DNR relaxed their restrictions on the size of walleye that can be taken from Lake Mille Lacs. When the season opened, any fish between 18″ and 28″ had to be released. As of today, the limit is now 20″ to 28″. Apparently, the harvest from the lake has only been half of what is expected, so the restriction was relaxed.
Two inches may not sound like much, but it’s a pretty big deal. On my recent trip to Mille Lacs, our two boats boated ten walleye and were only able to keep four. If this new limit had been in effect, we would have been able to keep five more (like the one above).
The restriction will go back down to 18″ next season and the DNR will make adjustments as necessary next year as they see fit. I’m glad the DNR is taking the season’s harvest into account and adjusting them as necessary. It will give anglers more opportunity and make trips to the lake more fun. It could also go the other way, but I have no problem with that either. Making the adjustment will preserve great walleye fishing for years to come.
For more information, read these two articles at the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
DNR relaxes walleye fishing regs on Mille Lacs
Why those Mille Lacs regulation changes?
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